Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Whether it be about the activities of Jamat-e-Islami in Pakistan and Bangladesh or the Ikhwan Al-Muslimeen (Muslim Brotherhood) in Egypt or the Hizb Ut-Tahrir and its offshoots in the UK, "Political Islam" is always in the news. These groups and parties are generally seen as a threat to the establishment or as a menace to the public and a cause of radicalisation of young Muslims. Consequently they are either outlawed or suppressed in many countries.

Muslims are divided about them. Some see them as their heroes who are carrying out the mission of "establishing the Shariah", bringing back the power and glory of the past, challenging the establishment and ultimately re-establishing the Khilafah that was lost in 1924 as some claim. Others see them as a lost cause and a reactionary movement not dissimilar to any secular political organisation in their goals and methods except superficially, creating even more problems for the Muslims and hindering the spread of the message of Islam. Yet others see them as dangerous entities whose ideologies are an inspiration to many militant organisations such as Al-Qaeda and Jam'atul Jihad.

So what is the reality? Is "Political Islam" rooted in the teachings of the Prophets and Messengers of God or is it rooted in the teachings of modern muslim revivalist leaders such as Syed Qutb and Abul A'la Maududi? How do we know whether the rise of "Political Islam" is a curse or a blessing for the Muslims? No doubt this calls for a deeper understanding of the Islamic view on Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad.

Coming up on the 8th of February in London & Online Worldwide is a key seminar that explains the whole issue of Shariah Law, Islamic State & Jihad in a way that has never been explained before in the English language. Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi will address these issues head-on in the light of Qur'anic paradigms, prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context.

The 20% early bird discount ends today. Please book your tickets now for attendance either onsite in London or online worldwide.

A groundbreaking seminar on the current developments in the Muslim and Western worlds in the light of Quranic paradigms, Prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context, delivered by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today.

“The principal reason for the waste of the effort of the Muslims, whether they are fighting or not fighting, is that they do not have a clear and comprehensive plan.” - Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Sunday, 26 January 2014

Muslim communities in the UK and every other part of the world are already polarised on various issues including differences in schools of thought, ideologies, sects, languages and ethnicity. Recent events have polarised Muslims further into two groups of "Secular Muslims" and "Islamist Muslims". This division is quite unique because it is something which has the keen interest of the media and politicians as well as the wider public.The apparent defining criteria between the two groups is whether one "believes" or does not "believe" in Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad. The struggle between these two groups continues, somewhat violently in the Muslim world and relatively mildly in the West.

Many Muslims would not want to be identified as either "Secular Muslims" or "Islamist Muslims". But their dilemma then appears very puzzling - what should their stance be on Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad?. The fact of the matter is that things are not as straightforward as either "Secular Muslims" or "Islamist Muslims" would have it. To ask whether one "believes" or does not "believe" in Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad is too simplistic, narrow-minded, shallow and, moreover, stupid. It is as stupid as if someone were to say "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists"!

So what is the "third way"? Is it to be a "Secular Islamist Muslim"(!) ? No doubt this is a very confusing and troubling issue for many of us and it becomes even more so when some scholars and preachers who are themselves confused speak with incoherence and ignorance of the realities.

Coming up on the 8th of February in London & Online Worldwide is a key seminar that explains the whole issue of Shariah Law, Islamic State & Jihad in a way that has never been explained before in the English language. Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi will address these issues head-on in the light of Qur'anic paradigms, prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context.

The 30% early bird discount ends today. Please book your tickets now for attendance either onsite in London or online worldwide.

A groundbreaking seminar on the current developments in the Muslim and Western worlds in the light of Quranic paradigms, Prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context, delivered by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today.

“The principal reason for the waste of the effort of the Muslims, whether they are fighting or not fighting, is that they do not have a clear and comprehensive plan.” - Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Friday, 24 January 2014

Surah Al-Buruj and Surah Al-Tariq are unequivocal in their warning to those who inflict harm upon the believers. However at the same time these surahs tell us that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is merciful even to those oppressors as they are still His salves. In this regards Shaykh Akram Nadwi says:

"These are two surahs that give guidance to the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam and the believers enjoining them with patience and instructing them to wait for the right moment to do the right thing despite the difficulties they may face from the unbelievers. These surahs also severely warn the unbelievers but also remind everyone that even those who disobey Allah and inflict harm on the believers are still His slaves and if they repent Allah would readily accept their repentance.

<<For those who persecute believing men and women, and do not repent afterwards, there will be the torment of Hell and burning.>> [Surah Al-Buruj 85:10]

Therefore we Muslims should behave like the slaves of Allah and act from our Eeman and guidance and not be arrogant and think that someone is so bad that they would never repent or Allah would not guide them." - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

These two surahs not only give hope and consolation for the believers but they also give hope to the oppressors, tyrants and disbelievers. Sadly we hate our enemies so much that we would rather hope that they would be misguided and destroyed than be guided and saved. This is reflected in our attitude as we always curse the enemies and the disbelievers instead of praying for their guidance. But is this what Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala expects of us? So next time before we curse Bashar Al-Asad or General Sisi or Obama or Putin based on our reasoning and emotions we should stop and think what Allah wants us to do based on eeman and guidance. This is yet another reminder from Surah Al-Buruj and Surah Al-Tariq.

Coming up this Saturday InshaAllah is the most fascinating, detailed and deep explanation of the pair of surahs, Surah Al-Buruj and Surah At-Tariq, by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today. Please make sure you attend this seminar either onsite in Cambridge or online worldwide.

Surah Al-Buruj & At-Tariq

A Warning for The Persecutors & A Consolation for The BelieversBy Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

"The Magnificent Journey continues... Today's seminar was yet another awesome seminar in the series with exceptional crowd and amazing insights from Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is truly a historic seminar series on the explanation of The Quran and is redefining our understanding and relationship with the Book of ALLAH. The emphasise of Dr Nadwi on establishing our connection with ALLAH and utilising the space given to us for recognising one God, is the key highlight of these seminars. Each seminar begins by strongly negating the wrong practises which have been introduced in the true teachings of worshipping one ALLAH and then builds on it by inviting us to ponder on the sings of ALLAH and get closer to our Rabb. Truly inspiring series, I would strongly recommend everybody including men, women and families to attend the Magnificent Journey Seminars as these are life changing and truly install this urge of loving the Book of ALLAH. The subtle nuances of the language which make the Qur'an such a powerful speech are beautifully explained by Dr Akram Nadwi in a nice balanced way keeping the things simple and interesting at the same time. His tremendous scholarships of Hadith literature and exceptional skills of Arabic language make this series a unique experience and a historic event in the city of Cambridge."- Awais Ahmed Awan, Cambridge

“There are not many people that you meet and in the first hour of sitting with them you decide you love them for the sake of Allah, but for me that was the case one week ago, when I had the honour of sitting in on a course by Shaykh Akram Nadwi. The next week I was with him again and by no means did he cease to amaze me any less. When someone like Shaykh Akram speaks and explains things the way he does, you know that anyone who is not benefiting from him will look back in 10 years and think, man I totally lost out there. You may know a topic inside out but because of the depth of his knowledge and more importantly his understanding, when he explains something you are thrown back by how he explained it in a way you never heard it before. MashaAllah. These courses are essential for every Muslim. If people are sincere about seeking knowledge that will connect them to their Creator, Allah (SWT), then they will take full advantage as they will not only help one understand their purpose in life in a deeper and more meaningful way but they will also be in a strong position to articulate Islam to the people around them in a way that makes sense and appeals the the hearts and minds.”- Tariq Shaekh, London

Thursday, 23 January 2014

No doubt what is happening to Muslims in Burma, Syria and other parts of the world is very disturbing to say the least. These are trials of truly unimaginable scale inflicted by heartless people. We feel helpless for those who are suffering and angry at the rest of the world. In the process, we forget what this world is about and more importantly what the hereafter is about.

This is what Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala wants us to remember in both Surah Al-Buruj and Surah At-Tariq. The Prophet, peace be upon him, and his companions had to endure immense trials in Makkah at the hands of the idolaters. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala revealed these surahs as a consolation for them. Surah Al-Buruj contains the story of the People of The Ditch making clear who is actually in control and what is the end of those who believe and disbelieve.

The same applies to any believing community. We may not have a comfortable living in this world all the time or even at any time. But as long as we follow the truth then we are successful and we will achieve the greatest triumph.

<<But for those who believe and do good deeds there will be Gardens graced with flowing streams: that is the great triumph.>> [Surah Al-Buruj 85:11]

The story behind The People of The Ditch is quite lengthy but the conclusion is very moving. The believers refused to abandon their faith...

.... So the king ordered that ditches be dug at the entrances to the roads and it was done, and fires were kindled in them. Then he said,"Whoever abandons his religion, let him go, and whoever does not, throw him into the fire.'' They were struggling and scuffling in the fire, until a woman and her baby whom she was breast feeding came and it was as if she was being somewhat hesitant of falling into the fire, so her baby said to her,"Be patient mother! For verily, you are following the truth!''. [Ahmed and Muslim]

This is one of few occasions where a baby is supposed to have spoken in the cradle by the permission of Allah.

Coming up this Saturday InshaAllah is the most fascinating, detailed and deep explanation of the pair of surahs, Surah Al-Buruj and Surah At-Tariq, by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today. Please make sure you attend this seminar either onsite in Cambridge or online worldwide.

"Jazakumullahu khayran. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity. I am so impressed by the Sheikh, subhanallah, mashaAllah. A very rare example of tradition fused with awareness of the environment and reality while not compromising God consciousness. If only there were more like him. Questions, I'm so glad we can ask them even if it's not about the sura. Yes, how else are we to learn from his wisdom and experience if we don't ask? The issues facing Muslims in the West are so many and so confusing and I just love the fact that he does not have an inferiority complex about Islam. It's really sad to see psychologically defeated scholars start throwing away tradition in the name of progress and fitting in. Sheikh Akram Nadwi gives you the sense that the real life is in the hereafter so don't have to get so tied up with the philosophies and controversies that sometimes take away our attention from the real purpose. The onus is on us, are we being pious?"- Aisha Barkatulla, Cambridge

"I recently attended the Tafsir of Surah Nuh. Whilst I had heard much about Shaykh Akram, this was my first class with him. The first thing that you cannot help but appreciate is how the Shaykh hooks you with his connection to knowledge, in a pure sense, there was no need to employ any speaking tactics to keep the attendees engrossed. The Shaykh, made every point relevant, to connect the text with our lives today and our response to get closer to our Creator. Indeed the Shaykh mentioned countless gems that he mentioned offhand but when contemplated on, really struck a chord in the heart. It was also great that the Shaykh was very open to questions, however sensitive, and tackled them head on, without compromising the principles of our faith, exemplifying that Allah azza wa jal has not only blessed him with knowledge, but also wisdom. I don't say this lightly, I genuinely believe, if you have the opportunity to study with the Shaykh, and you don't take it, then you have missed out on tasting the fruits of the knowledge of the Scholarship of our time and land"- Umer Suleman, South London

Muslim communities in the UK and every other part of the world are already polarised on various issues including differences in schools of thought, ideologies, sects, languages and ethnicity. Recent events have polarised Muslims further into two groups of "Secular Muslims" and "Islamist Muslims". This division is quite unique because it is something which has the keen interest of the media and politicians as well as the wider public.The apparent defining criteria between the two groups is whether one "believes" or does not "believe" in Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad. The struggle between these two groups continues, somewhat violently in the Muslim world and relatively mildly in the West.

Many Muslims would not want to be identified as either "Secular Muslims" or "Islamist Muslims". But their dilemma then appears very puzzling - what should their stance be on Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad?. The fact of the matter is that things are not as straightforward as either "Secular Muslims" or "Islamist Muslims" would have it. To ask whether one "believes" or does not "believe" in Shariah Law, Islamic State and Jihad is too simplistic, narrow-minded, shallow and, moreover, stupid. It is as stupid as if someone were to say "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists"!

So what is the "third way"? Is it to be a "Secular Islamist Muslim"(!) ? No doubt this is a very confusing and troubling issue for many of us and it becomes even more so when some scholars and preachers who are themselves confused speak with incoherence and ignorance of the realities.

Coming up on the 8th of February in London & Online Worldwide is a key seminar that explains the whole issue of Shariah Law, Islamic State & Jihad in a way that has never been explained before in the English language. Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi will address these issues head-on in the light of Qur'anic paradigms, prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context.

The 30% early bird discount ends today. Please book your tickets now for attendance either onsite in London or online worldwide.

A groundbreaking seminar on the current developments in the Muslim and Western worlds in the light of Quranic paradigms, Prophetic thinking, historical lessons and current context, delivered by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today.

“The principal reason for the waste of the effort of the Muslims, whether they are fighting or not fighting, is that they do not have a clear and comprehensive plan.” - Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Surah Al-Buruj is an amazing surah that gives consolation for the believers even when they are oppressed and persecuted. This is so pertinent for our time when Muslims are facing a lot of difficulty and persecution from people who oppose Eeman and Islam both in the East and in the West.

<<Damned were the makers of the trench, the makers of the fuel-stoked fire! They sat down to watch what they were doing to the believers. Their only grievance against them was their faith in God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, to whom all control over the heavens and earth belongs: God is witness over all things. For those who persecute believing men and women, and do not repent afterwards, there will be the torment of Hell and burning.>> [Surah Al-Buruj 85:4-10]

The story behind the people of the ditch is a fascinating story of courage, faith, trust and steadfastness. This amazing incident will be discussed in detail in the seminar on Saturday InshaAllah.

Surah Al-Buruj is followed by Surah Al-Tariq wherein God reminds man of his origin and his end, eliciting the question "How can man become so arrogant and act as if he is not answerable to anyone?".

<<Man should reflect on what he was created from. He is created from spurting fluid, then he emerges from between the backbone and breastbone: God is certainly able to bring him back to life. On the Day when secrets are laid bare he will have no power and no one to help him.>> [Surah At-Tariq 86:5-10]

The surah then ends with the following powerful words.

<<This is truly a decisive statement; it is not something to be taken lightly. They plot and scheme, but so do I: [Prophet], let the disbelievers be, let them be for a while.>> [Surah At-Tariq 86:13-17]

These two surahs are surahs of great hope and consolation for the believers. Today sadly many of us Muslims have either forgotten or do not really believe in this promise of Allah - the Lord of the universe. Some feel so helpless, depressed and inactive looking at the condition of the Muslims and others take things into their own hands - without due consideration to the guidance - and end up making a greater mess and bringing more harm to the Muslims.

These two surahs also clearly illustrate what is true success and true failure. This is something even we as Muslims are utterly confused about today. Sadly our yardsticks have become just the same as that of everyone else - namely power, wealth, glory, science, technology, culture and influence. But are these really the yardsticks for success? What was the yardstick of the People of the Ditch?

If we are concerned about the situations in Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Bangladesh and other Muslim majority countries, and if we are concerned about the growing hatred towards Muslims in Muslim minority countries then studying and understanding the message of Surah Al-Buruj and Surah At-Tariq is a must.

Coming up this Saturday InshaAllah is the most fascinating and deep explanation of these two surahs by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today. Please make sure you attend this seminar either onsite in Cambridge or online worldwide.

"Jazakumullahu khayran. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity. I am so impressed by the Sheikh, subhanallah, mashaAllah. A very rare example of tradition fused with awareness of the environment and reality while not compromising God consciousness. If only there were more like him. Questions, I'm so glad we can ask them even if it's not about the sura. Yes, how else are we to learn from his wisdom and experience if we don't ask? The issues facing Muslims in the West are so many and so confusing and I just love the fact that he does not have an inferiority complex about Islam. It's really sad to see psychologically defeated scholars start throwing away tradition in the name of progress and fitting in. Sheikh Akram Nadwi gives you the sense that the real life is in the hereafter so don't have to get so tied up with the philosophies and controversies that sometimes take away our attention from the real purpose. The onus is on us, are we being pious?"- Aisha Barkatulla, Cambridge

"I recently attended the Tafsir of Surah Nuh. Whilst I had heard much about Shaykh Akram, this was my first class with him. The first thing that you cannot help but appreciate is how the Shaykh hooks you with his connection to knowledge, in a pure sense, there was no need to employ any speaking tactics to keep the attendees engrossed. The Shaykh, made every point relevant, to connect the text with our lives today and our response to get closer to our Creator. Indeed the Shaykh mentioned countless gems that he mentioned offhand but when contemplated on, really struck a chord in the heart. It was also great that the Shaykh was very open to questions, however sensitive, and tackled them head on, without compromising the principles of our faith, exemplifying that Allah azza wa jal has not only blessed him with knowledge, but also wisdom. I don't say this lightly, I genuinely believe, if you have the opportunity to study with the Shaykh, and you don't take it, then you have missed out on tasting the fruits of the knowledge of the Scholarship of our time and land"- Umer Suleman, South London

A groundbreaking seminar on the current developments in the Muslim and Western worlds in the light of quranic paradigms, prophetic thinking and historical lessons, delivered by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today.

“The principal reason for the waste of the effort of the Muslims, whether they are fighting or not fighting, is that they do not have a clear and comprehensive plan.” - Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Thursday, 9 January 2014

Doubt has been cast upon the corpus of Hadith by many orientalists as well as some (modernist) Muslims. It is not uncommon to hear that "the Hadith were only written down over 300 years after the death of the Prophet (SAW) so they are not reliable". Unfortunately, many well-intentioned Muslims also fall into this type of thinking because they have no real idea or understanding of the history of Hadith and the sophisticated methods of verifying and preserving Hadith - both in text and in meaning. The science of Hadith is truly one of the most advanced and highly developed sciences in the history of mankind. Yet many of us are confused because we are unaware of this science and we do not understand the technicalities of the subject.

"There is a reason why, when you read a very technical text, you don’t understand it. Even if most of the words used are words you are familiar with, even if the words are arranged in ways that are familiar to you, there are enough technical words in the text to make the matter of it incomprehensible. Those specialised, technical words do not connect with anything, they do not refer to anything, known to you in your world.If this technical text happens to be an instruction about what to do, or if it is an explanation of how something works so that you can use that thing properly, then somebody will have to explain any technical terms in the text. After that, there is a chance that you may follow the instruction correctly, or make the thing work properly. But if you have a teacher who both speaks and gives you a practical demonstration, the chance is much stronger that you will get the matter right"- Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

There is no doubt that the main reason why people cast doubt upon the Hadith is because they have learnt or heard things from improper sources. Even if one does not actually doubt the Hadith, they may have found themselves in situations where they could not defend the Hadith when it has been attacked. There are also situations where people may think some Hadith to be irrational when they are not. All these situations arise from a lack of correct understanding on the subject.

The seminar coming up this weekend on the book Nukhbat Al-Fikar of Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (on the Principles of Hadith and its Classification by Hadith Experts) explained by Muhaddith Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi will demonstrate the reality of misinformation and misunderstanding of Hadith in a practical way through selected examples from both major and minor Hadith collections.

A unique and priceless opportunity to learn straight from a Muhaddith to gain a clear understanding of the amazing science behind the collection, preservation and study of Hadith. Only one day to go for this spiritually uplifting and intellectually liberating weekend seminar - please sign up immediately.

Usul al-Hadith (principles of hadith) is a highly developed discipline in Islam. It deals with the methodology of source criticism of hadith. Many works dealing with this science have been produced since the early period of Islam. Nuzhat al-Nazar Sharh Nukhbat al Fikar by Hafiz Ahmad ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, the 9th/15th century hadith master, is a very famous text in this field. It is prescribed in the curriculum of every madrasah and hadith centre. This seminar will cover the study of Ibn Hajar’s book with detailed commentary and practical examples from famous collections. Every student will receive a signed certificate and Ijazah from Shaykh Akram for Nukhbat al Fikar and hadith musalsal bil-awwaliyyah linking them to the Prophet (SAW).

"How magnificent to have spent a weekend in the company of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and his companions, reading and studying their ahadeeth. I feel as though I was transported to their times and have returned with renewed strength and resolve to continue the work we need to do in the ‘Daar ud-Da’wah’ we live in. I am sitting here with Ijaazah in hand feeling honoured that Allah allowed me to be a student of Sheikh Akram Nadwi and through him find some connection with some of the great scholars of our past. From his poignant scholarly anecdotes, to his emphatic exhortations, punctuated with Urdu and Persian poetry; studying with the Sheikh is a truly enriching experience. I’m actually learning a lot from him both about rectifying myself and the most important focal points for that and rectifying some of the causes of the downfall of our Ummah today. Without resorting to alienating any particular group or school of thought, the Sheikh is not afraid to hold a mirror up to what needs changing in our communities and in our times. I liked the balance of holistic spiritual principles and finer technical details Sheikh also discussed and his lessons are suitable for serious students of knowledge and people who are in the early stages of their journey. I look forward to future courses. I found the crèche facility to be very useful. I would have found it very difficult to attend without it. The venue was great and respected the privacy of brothers and sisters. May Allah make knowledge a proof for us and not against us. Ameen."- Fatima Barkatullah, London

"Of all the scholars I have had the opportunity to study with, I have found Shaikh Akram Nadwi to be the closest, in knowledge, manners and teaching, to how I would imagine some of the great Hadith scholars of the past would have been. He has a vast knowledge of Qur'an, Hadith and Fiqh, a down-to-earth, humble, approachable style, and great teaching ability. His classes are not just beneficial from a learning perspective, but also to marvel at the awe-inspiring wealth of knowledge of our scholars masha Allah. His 57 volume work going through the biographies of some 8,500 women scholars of Hadith is a monumental endeavour. The mere fact of its existence can be a major talking point in discussion with Muslims and non-Muslims, and is almost a stand-alone proof of Islam's unparalleled wealth of female scholarship." - Dr Omar Mahroo, Cambridge

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

"Many things have come into usul al-fiqh (science of fiqh) and usul al-hadith (science of hadith) as a result of the influence of Greek logic, philosophy and 'ilmul kalam. They are not purely part of these (fiqh and hadith) sciences. So one has to distinguish between these things - what are purely hadith sciences and what has come from outside. Now in our time all have become mixed and people believe that they are all pure Islamic. They are not pure Islamic - somethings have come from outside - that we have to make very clear....

Once I taught this book on usul al-hadith at the Oriental Institute - Oxford University. They said to me in the history of the Oriental Institute usul al-hadith has never been taught by a Muslim. The people attending were not Muslims. When I started my teaching I said one thing very clearly: "We Muslims believe Hadith is divine, it is from Allah and nobody can change. But when we say hadith is sound or not sound and when we authenticate the hadith - this is human effort. We only want one thing from you. First make effort to understand how we authenticate hadith. It is human effort may be we are right may be we are wrong but first understand what we have been doing and how we authenticate hadith. Once you understand this if you can bring something better than that we have no hesitation in accepting that from you. Because this is human effort." So know that hadith is divine but the way we authenticate hadith is not divine... " - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Usul al-Hadith (principles of hadith) is a highly developed discipline in Islam. It deals with the methodology of source criticism of hadith. Many works dealing with this science have been produced since the early period of Islam. Nuzhat al-Nazar Sharh Nukhbat al Fikar by Hafiz Ahmad ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, the 9th/15th century hadith master, is a very famous text in this field. It is prescribed in the curriculum of every madrasah and hadith centre. This seminar will cover the study of Ibn Hajar’s book with detailed commentary and practical examples from famous collections. Every student will receive a signed certificate and Ijazah from Shaykh Akram for Nukhbat al Fikar and hadith musalsal bil-awwaliyyah linking them to the Prophet (SAW).

"How magnificent to have spent a weekend in the company of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and his companions, reading and studying their ahadeeth. I feel as though I was transported to their times and have returned with renewed strength and resolve to continue the work we need to do in the ‘Daar ud-Da’wah’ we live in. I am sitting here with Ijaazah in hand feeling honoured that Allah allowed me to be a student of Sheikh Akram Nadwi and through him find some connection with some of the great scholars of our past. From his poignant scholarly anecdotes, to his emphatic exhortations, punctuated with Urdu and Persian poetry; studying with the Sheikh is a truly enriching experience. I’m actually learning a lot from him both about rectifying myself and the most important focal points for that and rectifying some of the causes of the downfall of our Ummah today. Without resorting to alienating any particular group or school of thought, the Sheikh is not afraid to hold a mirror up to what needs changing in our communities and in our times. I liked the balance of holistic spiritual principles and finer technical details Sheikh also discussed and his lessons are suitable for serious students of knowledge and people who are in the early stages of their journey. I look forward to future courses. I found the crèche facility to be very useful. I would have found it very difficult to attend without it. The venue was great and respected the privacy of brothers and sisters. May Allah make knowledge a proof for us and not against us. Ameen."- Fatima Barkatullah, London

"Of all the scholars I have had the opportunity to study with, I have found Shaikh Akram Nadwi to be the closest, in knowledge, manners and teaching, to how I would imagine some of the great Hadith scholars of the past would have been. He has a vast knowledge of Qur'an, Hadith and Fiqh, a down-to-earth, humble, approachable style, and great teaching ability. His classes are not just beneficial from a learning perspective, but also to marvel at the awe-inspiring wealth of knowledge of our scholars masha Allah. His 57 volume work going through the biographies of some 8,500 women scholars of Hadith is a monumental endeavour. The mere fact of its existence can be a major talking point in discussion with Muslims and non-Muslims, and is almost a stand-alone proof of Islam's unparalleled wealth of female scholarship." - Dr Omar Mahroo, Cambridge

The Four Madhabs is a life-changing seminar by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram
Nadwi that explores in detail the origins, principles, development,
differences, application, spread and the influence of the four common
schools of thought - Maliki, Hanafi, Shafie’ and Hanabali Madhabs
- and some of the less known ones. It also looks at the “alternative
Madhabs” such as the Salafi, Ahl al-Hadith and “Progressive” schools and
concludes with the relevance of Madhabs in the modern world and our
attitude towards them.

The topics covered include:
What is the difference between Islam, Shariah and Madhab? | What is the
purpose of Madhabs? | Do we need Madhab when we have Qur’an and Sunnah?
| How did the Madhabs come into existence? | How did the Madhabs
evolve? | Why are there differences between the Madhabs? | Should one
follow a Madhab or not? | Can one pick and choose between Madhabs? | How
should people of different Madhab view each other? | Who are the
founders of the Madhabs and how are they linked to each other? | What is
Salafi and Ahlul Hadith Madhab? | Are Madhabs relevant today? | What
should be our attitude towards Madhabs and “No-Madhabs”?

Brothers, sisters and families are welcome. Special arrangements are made for families with young children.

Testimonials

"Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi is a great
asset to the Muslims in the UK and his 57 volume work on
al-Muhaddithaat (The Women Scholars of Islam) is no doubt going to be a
lasting legacy of this great man. I had the blessed opportunity of
spending a day with him recently; he is one of those few individuals
who in a short period of time can change your entire thinking. May
Allah bless the brothers and sisters in Cambridge and those in Oxford
who organise and help the Shaykh in his works."- Nasar Ishfaq, Manchester

"I have been to two of the CISS courses and
can say with certainty that they have been inspiring to the highest
degree. Shaikh Akram's style of teaching ensures that you are connected
from the start, not only in terms of the relevance of the knowledge he
is sharing, but also through the openness of the sessions. He not only
shares the important knowledge on the topic but also encourages the
questioning of all that knowledge in order to make it relevant for us in
today's world. These courses have helped me to reinvigorate and renew
my passion for my faith and have encouraged me to continuously seek and
apply the vast knowledge there is in Islam."- Rimla Akhtar, Chairperson, Muslim Women's Sport Foundation, London